BREAKING: NLC FCT Chairman Dr. Stephen Knabayi Narrowly Escapes Mob Attack Following Closed-Door Meeting Amid Allegations of Betrayal

Abuja — Dr. Stephen Adalooh Knabayi, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, narrowly escaped a violent mob attack on Thursday after attending a closed-door negotiation with government officials during a protest over unpaid minimum wages for Area Council workers.

Leading a peaceful demonstration demanding the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, Dr. Knabayi was among a delegation allowed into the Minister of the FCT’s office to represent the protesting workers. However, the protesters expressed outrage at what they perceived as a betrayal, as they had insisted on a direct meeting with Minister Nyesom Wike himself.

When Dr. Knabayi emerged from the meeting to address the crowd, the situation quickly deteriorated. Angry protesters accused him of compromising their cause and subjected him to verbal abuse and physical aggression, pelting him with objects in their frustration.

Other labour officials swiftly intervened, rescuing Dr. Knabayi and escorting him away from the hostile crowd. Despite this, reports indicate some protesters continued to pursue him, escalating tensions further.

The protest began peacefully earlier in the day, with hundreds of workers marching from Labour House in Central Area to the Minister’s office in Area 11, carrying placards and chanting anti-government slogans. The protest was sparked by the failure to implement the new minimum wage for council workers, teachers, and health staff.

The demonstration intensified when armed police officers locked the main gate of the Minister’s office, barring protesters from entering. The NLC vowed to block the movement of staff and officials until their demands were addressed.

An attempt by Mandate Secretary Lawrence Garki to engage the protesters was met with hostility and chants of “thief, thief,” underscoring the workers’ frustration.

In addition to demanding the wage increase, the protesters called for the resignation or removal of the six Area Council Chairmen, accusing them of neglect and indifference to the workers’ plight.

The standoff remains ongoing as both sides await further developments.